Gun sling swivel



Dec. 4, 1962 J. w. KNowLEs ETAL 3,066,375 GUN SLINC SWIVEL Filed June l, 1959 E;E J |=;E E g 25' /5' /7 Y' 2? I NV E NTORS;

United States Patent iitice ilhtiif iatented Dec. 4, 1962 3,666,375 GUN SING SWIVEL .lohn Vf. Knowles, Glashaus, and Elwyn W. Breitling, Lansing, lit/lich., assignors, hy mesne assignments, to Dr. T. E. holding, Lansing, Mich.

Filed .lune l, i959, Ser. No. 817,153 3 Claims. (Cl. 24h-211) The present invention relates to a strap swivel for iirearms such as riiies. More particularly, it relates to an extremely simple socket and selectively detachable swivel means, wherein the socket is ilush mounted in the stock or butt portions of the firearm thus permitting the simple yattachment and detachment of the shooting strap and leaving the clean uncluttered lines of the iirearrn without extraneous projections.

While a variety of sling swivels are known in the riiiernans art, the majority of such devices possess many objectionable llimitations. Firstly, ir the swivel is permanently installed, then `the shooting or carrying strap ot the tie must be disassembled for removal from the piece. This is unhandy since this presupposes that the orientation of the strap as to adjustment for shooting is tampered with. Every riileman is conversant with the problems of sling or strap adjustment which arise everytime a strap is dismounted `from the piece. Further, the swivel projects outwardly from the stock and butt even after removal of the strap so that the rifle appears cluttered for display, and in use without the strap, the -swivels constantly catch on obstructions or .the clothing of the shooter. The problem with obstructions is greatly accentuated when the matter of gun encasernent is considered. With prior devices dismounting of the strap is frequently necessary and even upon removal of the strap ythe protruding swivels form interference with the er1- casing means. Secondly, where provisions have been made for the removal of the swivel, the swivel socket projecting outwardly from the stock and/or butt contributes to a cluttered rile appearance and presents obstructions in use. In units where the socket is designed flush with the bu-tt or stock of the rifle, the swivel latch has not been sufficiently positive to assure against chance dislodgement. For example, various trigger and detent means employed rely either upon a selective positioning of the swivel in the socket for removal, or upon plunger means. When the strap is in use, the swivel is rotated in its socket, not infrequently releasing the swivel. Where plungers are used, impact or accidental pressure on the plunger suddenly releases the strap.

As a consequence of these diculties in sling swivel construction7 the presently described device has as its principal object the overcoming of the criticism of the prior sling swivel structures.

Another object is to provide a simple trouble-free sling swivel structure which includes a flush mounted socket so that upon removal of the swivel stud no projection is discernible.

Another object is to provide a sling swivel structure wherein the swivel stud is selectively removable and in the engaged position is locked against chance dislodgement.

Still another object is to provide a sling swivel wherein the release mechanism is simple and posi-tive and of such rugged character as to avoid jamming in use.

Still another object is to provide Ia snap-in type structure for receiving the swivel stud for rapid strap installation.

Another object is to provide a strap swivel socket comprising a housing which serves as a i'lush moun-t face and supports an outwardly opening flush lever and latch mechanism.

Other objects, including simplicity of installation, ease 2 o' strap usage, and ruggedness in service will be readily appreciated by persons lfamiliar with riile accessories as the description proceeds.

In the Drawing FIGURE l is a cut-away perspective view of the forestock of a ritle indicating the location of the swivel and socket hush mounted in the stock material.

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of the swivel and socket structure in assembled relationship but removed from the rearm.

FIGURE 3 is a cross section View taken on line III-III of FIGUE 2 and showing the assembled socket and swivel structure in position in a recess in the stock.

FIGURE 4 is an exploded perspective view indicating the simplicity and ease or" construction of the sling swivel unit with its various parts in oriented relationship.

FIGURE 5 is a partial View indicating the working relationship of the latch mechanism, shown in elevation.

FIGURE 6 is another elevation View of the structure shown in FIGURE 5 `with the release lever in release position so that the swivel stud can be removed.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION In general, the device of .the present invention comprises a base housing or socket member and a swivel stud insertable in and removable from the base housing. A latch member is supported in the housing and extends to engage the swivel stud against chance withdrawal. A lever ulcrumed in the housing selectively releases the latch and hence the stud when the lever is tilted outwardly. The ybase housing comprises a substantially rectangular plate upon one side of which is tixedly mounted a block. The rectangular plate extends to form a ilange around the block and detines a slot and stud receiving entry Ilocated on the principal longitudinal axis of the plate. Holes for mounting means are also provided through the plate. The slot and receiving entry are in register with simil-ar through openings in the block. The block contains a cylindrical latch and a resilient bias urging the latch member through the block and into the receiving opening for the swivel stud. The swivel stud is cylindrical in ,form to provide a running t in the stud receiving opening through the plate and block. A shoulder is provided on the stud which is of a greater diameter than the stud entry opening and extends in a head having a transverse opening therethrough. The transverse opening receives a strap link or loop through which a conventional shooting strap is attached. An annular groove is provided in the stud in register with the latch. Thus, when the stud is shouldered in the socket the latch positively engages the annular groove and permits the swivel to rotate without withdrawal. Insertion of the swivel stud is accomplished -by the peripheral camming action against the latch by reason of a chamfer on the end of the cylindrical stud shank. A lever fulcrumed in the structure and operable only by manual tilting outwardly overcomes the spring hias and removes the latch from engagement with 4the annulus on the swivel so that the swivel stud may be removed. In operation the strap `swivel is trouble-free and is secured against withdrawal. When it is desired to withdraw the stud and dismount the strap from the rifle, for example, movement of the operating lever outwardly allows the stud to drop free of the socket leaving a clean ritle silhouette free from unsightly protrusions but immediately ready for reattachment of the still adjusted strap.

SPECIFIC DESCRlPTlON Referring more particularly to .the drawing in FIG- URE l there is shown a portion of a riile il into which ha-s been inserted the strap swivel unit l2 comprising the .s socket member 13 and the swivel stud 14. The swivel stud 14 is removable as will be appreciated yas the description proceeds and has attached thereto a loop or strap link 15. The stud 14 is rotatable on its axis so that various positions of the strap 16 can be assumed without binding on the stud 14 or link 15. The socket member 13 is inlet into the stock portion 17 of the rifle 11 and is iiush mounted in relationship to the stock surface. The socket member 13 is secured in position as by the fasteners illustrated as screws.

In FIGURE 2, the strap swivel unit 12 has been removed from the rifle 11 to show the simplicity of the device in plan View. The socket member 13 comprises the ange or mounting plate 18 and the superstructure housing 19, the latter integrally secured as by brazing, welding, or use of unit block construction to the iiange 18. The housing 19 receives the swivel stud 14 in opening 20. The stud 14, being cylindrical in form, is inserted in the mating opening 20 as shown. The housing 19 also defines an elongate recess 21 which receives a latch -1 mechanism 22 comprising a set screw and journal element 23, a latch rod 24, a spring element and a lever element 26. The set screw 23 is provided with an axial through opening 27 which serves as an axial journal for the rod 24. The set screw 23 also serves as an abutment for the spring 25 over the rod 24. The rod 24 is also provided with a square collar 28 against which the spring 25 bears at the other extremity. The lever element 26 bears against the square collar 28, and as will be seen, selectively provides means for overcoming the bias exerted by the spring 2S against the rod 24 urging the collar 28 into constant engagement with the lever element 26. The collar 28 is press fitted onto the rod 24 and as will be seen secures the rod 24 against rotation. A Wall 29 separates the recess 21 from the stud receiving opening 2t?. Through the wall 253 a journal opening 3i! is provided through which the rod '24 reciprocably passes, the tip 31 of the rod 24 extending radially into the stud receiving opening 20, as urged by the spring 25. Axial reciprocation of the rod 24 by movement of the lever element 26 withdraws the rod 24 from the intrusion into the opening 20.

This structure is better understood by reference to FIGURE 3, a cross section elevation through the socket 13 and illustrating the position in the stock 17. It will be seen that end of the cylindrical swivel stud 14 is chamfered peripherally, the chamfer 32 engaging the bevel 33 provided on the end 31 of the rod 24 upon insertion of the stud 14 into the opening 2i). An annular groove 34 in the stud 14 mates with the rod end 3-1 so that the rod 24 in obedience to the urging of spring 25 enters the annular opening to lock the stud 14 against chance withdrawal. Selected movement of the lever element 26 overcomes the bias of the spring 25 withdrawing the rod 24- from engagement in the annulus and the stud 14 drops free of the socket 13. The stud 14 is provided with a lower shoulder 35 of greater diameter than the opening 20 and terminates in a head or post 36. The post 36 is provided with an opening transversely through the axis thereof, and the opening, thus provided, pivotally supports the strap link 15.

The lever element 26 is a generally L-shaped piece in elevation. A pin 37 passing through the plate flange 18 and the lever element 26 provides a fulcrum for the lever 26. The longer leg 38 of the lever 26 is flush with the plate 18 and nests in the longitudinal recess 39 provided through the plate 18, the recess 39 being in register with the recess 21 in the housing 19. The shorter leg of the lever 26 extends upwardly into the recess 21 into engagement with the collar 28 on the rod 24. An oblong opening 4t) transversely through the shorter leg of the lever 26 operates in yoke relationship over the rod 24.

Referring to FIGURE 4 the various parts are illustrated by explosion in relationship to assembly oi' the strap swivel unit 12. As a security against axial rotation, the rod 24 is provided with a rectangular key piece 41 which on assembly serves as the collar 28 mating in the recess 21 of the housing 19. The recess walls 42 thus serve to prevent rotation of the rod 24 by engagement with the key piece 41. The key piece 41 is retained on the rod 24 by a press fit at assembly thereby serving as collar 28. As will be appreciated, the lever 26 is provided with a at terminal enlargement 43 which is then accessible by means of thumb taper 44, best shown in FIGURE 3. The lever is first assembled on pin 37. Then the rod 24 with spring 2S is passed through the housing 19 and the set screw 23 is run into the set screw opening 45 to journal the rod 24 and finally secure it against chance rotation. This completes the assembly of the socket element 13 for operably receiving the swivel stud 14. Screws 46 and 47 secure the housing 19 into the stock 17, the screws 46 and 47 passing through the ends of the plate 18.

FIGURES 5 and 6 best show the operation of the latch mechanism. The chamfer 32 forces retraction of the rod 24 upon insertion of the stud 14. Then the stud 14 shoulders in the socket 13 and the rod 24 urged by the spring 2S seats in the annular groove 34 securing the stud 14 against removal. In FIGURE 6, the lever 26 is tilted outwardly against the spring bias withdrawing the rod 24 from engagement in the groove 34 and the stud 14 is easily removed. The function of the set screw 23 is clearly shown in providing journal means for axial movement of the rod 24 therethrough and secures the rod 24 on a iixed axis.

In operation, the installation of the assembled units 12 is quite simple. Using the lianged mounting plate 18 as a templet, the stock 17 of a rie is inlet as shown in FIGURE 3 with a deeper inletting to accommodate the housing 19. Then the anged plate 18 is secured in place by the screws 46 and 47. The stud 14 is removed as previously indicated and a shooting or carrying strap is secured to the loop 15. With two of these units 12, one on the forestock and one on the butt, the strap 16 is simply removed for installation on the gun 11 when the occasion arises. Thus, it will be seen that a single strap can be made to serve a plurality of rifles so long as the spacing between socket members is uniform and the stud securing socket elements 13 are alike. These devices have proved excellent under eld conditions and are especially praised by shooters who like to exhibit their irearms when they are not in use, yet have the strap available in adjustment for field usage.

Having thus described my new and useful sling swivel, modilications will undoubtedly occur as obvious to those skilled in the art and such modifications are intended to be included herein limited only by the scope of the hereinafter appended claims.

I claim:

1. A strap swivel unit comprising: an elongate rectangular base plate having a generally rectangular opening therethrough and a circular opening therethrough, said openings located on the longitudinal centerline of said base plate; a housing structure having openings therethrough and in register with the said openings in said base plate and attached to said base plate; a set screw on a longitudinal axis through said housing; a rod journaled by said set screw and extending coaxially therefrom and traversing the opening which is in register with said generally rectangular opening and through said housing and radially into the opening which is in register with said circular opening; a collar on said rod; a spring on said rod engaging said set screw and said collar; a lever fulcrumed in said plate and engaging said collar and operable against said spring and said rod and in normal flush position against said base plate and selectively movable outwardly to depress said rod against said spring; and a cylindrical stud having an upper peripheral chamfer and an annular rod receiving groove, said stud being selectively insertable through said circular opening in said base plate and in the opening in said housing which is in register with said circular opening, and lockable therein by engagement wtih said rod, and selectively removable only upon outward movement of said lever.

2. A gun strap swivel unit comprising: an elongate rectangular base plate having a circular opening therethrough and an elongate opening therethrough; a housing superimposed on said base plate having openings therein in register with the openings in said base plate; a lever nestably flush mounted in said elongate opening through said base plate; a pivot through said base plate transverse of said elongate opening and providing a fulcrum for said lever; a rod in said housing parallel to said base plate and bearing on said lever and guidably extending into the opening in said housing which is in register with said circular opening; a spring around said rod and biasing said rod against said lever so as to maintain said lever in normal flush relationship nested in the elongate opening in said base plate and biasing the extension of said rod into the opening which is in register with said circular opening; a cylindrical stud having a chamfered upper peripheral edge and an annular groove insertable in and removable from the circular opening through said plate and the opening in said housing which is in register with said circular opening, said chamfer overcoming said spring bias on said rod upon insertion and said rod being lockable in said annular groove until operation of said lever to overcome said spring bias; and fastener receiving means defined in said base plate for securing said base plate in position.

3. A gun strap swivel structure in association with the stock portion of a firearm which comprises a stock piece inlet in substantially rectangular, oval ended form comprising: a base plate matingly received in said stock inletting and in flush relation to said stock, said base plate having a major circular opening therethrough and an adjacent elongate opening, and having fastener receiving and shouldering apertures therethrough; a housing secured to said base plate having openings therein in register with said openings in said base plate; a pivot through said base plate transversely across said elongate opening; a rod in said housing parallel to said base plate and reciprocably movable in said housing and guidably extending into the opening in said housing which is in register with said circular opening; a spring about said rod and in compression relationship between said housing and said rod urging said rod into said registering opening; a lever on said pivot in said elongate opening in said base plate and operably engaging said rod to overcome said spring and withdraw said rod from said registering opening, said lever being normally in flush relation with the surface of said base plate; and a cylindrical stud in insertable in and removable from said circular opening and the opening in register therewith and having a chamfered peripheral edge zand an annular groove, said chamfer overcoming said spring by radial force on said rod, and said rod lockably movable to engage said annular groove in said stud and allowing said stud to rotate but allowing removal of said stud only upon selected movement of said lever.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 761,145 Caley et al. May 31, 1904 2,422,693 McArthur June 24, 1947 2,580,495 Woods Jan. 1, 1952 2,600,483 Colonna June 17, 1952 2,642,300 Pelcin June 16, 1953 2,642,689 Cline June 23, 1953 2,664,611 Shomber Jan. 5, 1954 FOREIGN PATENTS 657,284 Great Britain Sept. 21, 1951 677,560 Great Britain Aug. 20, l1952 738,989 Great Britain Oct. 26, 1955 ii i un w 

